North Korea has issued a warning in response to the ongoing South Korean-U.S. military drills, labeling them as a plot to invade the country. The North's Defense Ministry strongly denounced the drills, stating that they pose a reckless military threat to a sovereign state.
The South Korean and U.S. forces recently commenced their annual computer-simulated command post training and field exercises, which are set to run for 11 days. This year's drills are more extensive, with 48 field exercises planned, double the number from the previous year.
While South Korea maintains that the drills are regular, defensive training exercises, North Korea perceives them as invasion rehearsals. The North has threatened to take unspecified 'responsible' military steps in response to the perceived threat.
Observers suggest that North Korea may conduct missile tests or other military activities to bolster its war capability. The heightened tensions come amid concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, as the country has conducted multiple missile tests and openly threatened to use nuclear weapons preemptively.
Experts believe that North Korea's aggressive military posture and increased weapons arsenal aim to gain leverage in future diplomacy, particularly with the United States. The country seeks international recognition as a nuclear state, which it believes could lead to relief from U.S.-led economic sanctions.
As the U.S. and South Korea head into major elections, North Korea is expected to escalate tensions with further missile tests and provocative rhetoric. The possibility of limited provocations near the border with South Korea remains a concern among experts.
